Key highlights from the Axiom-4 mission historic spaceflight

The Axiom-4 mission, which marked India's return to human spaceflight after four decades, finally returned to Earth.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS), conducted a range of microgravity experiments during the 18-day mission.

Here's a timeline of key moments from announcement to return:       

The Axiom-4 mission featuring Indian astronaut Shukla was announced in late 2024 as a collaborative commercial spaceflight supported by ISRO and NASA.

Originally scheduled for launch in early 2025, the mission faced multiple postponements due to technical checks and unfavourable weather conditions at Kennedy Space Centre.

After several delays, the mission successfully launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket on June 25, 2025 from Florida's Kennedy Space Centre.

The crew docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025, beginning their 18-day stay aboard the station.

During the mission, Shukla conducted seven Indian-designed microgravity experiments, including sprouting of moong and methi seeds, stem cell research, and microalgae studies.

Aboard the ISS, he performed a zero-gravity water bubble demonstration and took part in cognitive load experiments involving screen interaction.

He interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, students, and ISRO scientists through amateur radio and video links as part of outreach efforts.

A farewell ceremony was held on July 13 with Expedition 73 crew members, where Shukla thanked ISRO and his colleagues.

The Dragon Grace spacecraft undocked from the ISS on July 14, 2025, after completing planned activities and experiments.

Shukla and the crew safely splashed down off the California coast on July 15, 2025, concluding India's first extended research mission aboard the ISS.